Journey of Souls

6. Meeting | ملاقات

In the 4 weeks after arriving in Pakistan, Ammi and I had had spent our days with family during our evening gatherings. We played ludo or carrom and even sometimes turned them into tournaments. During this time, I even got closer with my little cousins Adil and Faryal; Badar and I would often play games on the terrace or video games with them or watch movies.

As Badar had promised, on his days off he would take me and Ammi to the markets and the mall. We spent quite a few days going to Liberty Market or the malls nearby and even the shops and boutiques of MM Alam Road or the area of Gulberg. Somedays we had luck finding outfits and jewelry but other days were not as lucky for us. Either way,  Ammi and I had managed to find outfits and matching accessories for all three events. 

Badar also enjoyed shopping with us. While we shopped in heavily women populated areas and stores, I would give tips and explain things to Badar in case he ever needed information for his future wife. I gave general advice regarding what kinds of things us girls liked and how to present them. Badar told me that he felt quite prepared now having talked to me about everything related to a woman's life. 

After the 4 weeks had passed, it was finally time to meet Qurat-Ul-Ain. Preparations were underway to welcome Qurat-ul-Ain for her outfit and jewelry finalizations. Although she was only going to be here for a few days, Mamoo and Mumani wanted to make sure everything was perfect for their daughter-in-law. 

I would help out around the house as well. Somedays I would spend cleaning even though we already had people hired for that and other days I would help out in the kitchen. It was nice being in the kitchen as both mumani's, Ammi, and occasionally Nani would step in to help out or cook. We would chat in between tasks. The environment was intoxicating. Even though the wedding was a little less than 4 weeks away, it truly felt like shaadi-wala ghar [house where wedding is happening]. 

The night before her arrival was the most intense. No one could sit and relax until all of the pending items had been finished. Ammi and I went to our room to pick out our outfits for the next day and ironed them to be hung up. I picked out a white embroidered kurta with white flared trousers and an incredibly stunning dupatta full of all the colors one could think of. I decided to match the clothes with pearl earrings and a pearl pendant necklace. I chose a brand new pair of block heel sandals that I bought from Lahore's bazaars. For my hair, I decided that I would do loose waves and wear a small pin covered in pearls as well. I wanted to look my best for my first meeting with my bhabhi (sister-in-law). 

With all the preparations for the next morning complete, Ammi and I went to sleep knowing that we would have to be awake early to get ready on time and put finishing touches on our preparations. 

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I woke up the next morning, jumped out of bed, and rushed into the shower. I was already half an hour late. I did a quick, natural makeup look making sure to perfect my blush application, my favorite step. I worked on my hair as quick as I could and placed the pin into place. Last but not least, I tied it all together by putting on my jewelry and shoes. 

I walked downstairs to find everyone running around. Qurat-ul-Ain would be arriving in an hour. I went to check on everyone in the kitchen and offered my help. I helped to prepare the salad for lunch and add garnishes for all the dishes. 

Time passed quickly and I heard Badar shout from the front door.

"They're here!"

I straightened myself up and took off the apron I was wearing before heading towards the front door where everyone was waiting. I took my spot next to Ammi.